Name and Location

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, also known as Taigh-solais Rubha Robhanais, stands on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Its address is GP8Q+6J Eoropaidh, Isle of Lewis, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scotland HS2 0XH, UK. The lighthouse's coordinates are 58°30′56″ N, 6°15′40″ W (58.5155864, –6.2609205), and its location can be found on the Google Maps link https://www.google.com/maps?q=58.5155864,-6.2609205.

2. Construction and History

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was erected in 1862 to warn vessels in the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic and The Minch. It was commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) and built during a wave of 19th-century lighthouse construction following a series of wrecks along the Lewis coast. The lighthouse was designed by Thomas Stevenson, with his brother David Stevenson overseeing its completion. Initially manned by keepers until the late 20th century, it was automated in 1998.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse is a Victorian classical tower with attached single-storey keepers' cottages. The tower is constructed from red brick covered by white harling, with a gray lantern roof. It stands 37 meters (121 ft) tall from base to ventilator ball and has a focal plane height of 52 meters (171 ft) above mean sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light characteristic is flashing white every 5 seconds (Fl W 5 s; sequence 0.2 s flash + 4.8 s eclipse). Its nominal range is 25 nautical miles, and it is visible between bearings 056°–320°. The chart reference for the lighthouse is Admiralty A3968; NGA 2392.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds of the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse are open year-round, but there is no formal visitor centre on site. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by single-track coastal road from Port of Ness (approximately 8 mi/13 km south), signposted "Butt of Lewis". On-site parking and a picnic area are available, as well as seasonal refreshments at nearby Ness village.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors on the clifftop plateau enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic swell, seabird colonies on offshore stacks, and, on clear days, the outline of the Outer Hebridean chain. The windswept moorland is dotted with purple heather and grazing sheep; in winter, the cliffs may be buffeted by storm-driven seas.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local anecdotes tell the story of shipwrecks that claimed several 19th-century sailing vessels, leading to the construction of the lighthouse. A notable anecdote is the "fog party" of 1928 when volunteers lit warning bonfires in dense mist, awaiting the main light's return after repairs.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board (Edinburgh & London) and is currently unmanned, monitored remotely by NLB. Its power source is a mains-fed electric lamp with battery backup. Chart reference for the lighthouse is Admiralty A3968; NGA 2392.

9. Further Information

For further information on the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, please visit the Northern Lighthouse Board's website at https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/butt-of-lewis/, or consult Historic Environment Scotland's listing record at https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB27204.